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Crystal Mountain Skid Road is located near the base of the mountain, making it perfect for those new to skiing who aren’t yet ready for the runs higher up the peaks. Skid Road has two levels of difficulty: One portion is set at green, denoting an easy run ideal for beginner and novice skiers, while Upper Skid Road is noted as blue meaning the run is more difficult. Skid Road at Crystal Mountain is an expansive wide open run with clean turns, and this downhill trek also provides sweeping panoramic views of the surrounding park and mountains.

Skiing in Washington state is a popular choice for different types of vacationers. While you could easily spend several days exploring different parts of Crystal Mountain, which is located on the boundary with Mt Rainier National Park, it’s also possible to take day trips from Seattle, Olympia, or Vancouver to many great ski areas, including Crystal Mountain and Stevens Pass. Crystal is about 75 miles from Seattle, making for an easy drive. There are skiing and snowboarding opportunities from about November through April, while the summer hiking season runs from roughly June to September.

Along with the Crystal Mountain Skid Road run, there are more than 50 named trails with over half dedicated to the intermediate skier and more than 10 percent for beginners. The longest run is Northway, measuring 2.5 miles. There are also skiing and snowboarding lessons available if you want to raise your level to hit some of the harder trails in this 2,600-acre park. Crystal has twelve lifts, including the eight-passenger Mt Rainier Gondola, and everything you need for a day on the slopes, including restaurants, equipment rentals, a bar, shopping, a ski school, and a kids club.